What kind of animal is a chipmunk? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. Chipmunks, which are basically pets like dogs and cats, are small mammals, and many people start keeping them. I will explain the whole story, including what kind of personality a chipmunk has and what kind of ecology it is.
What is a chipmunk? About basic status
Chipmunks are mammals classified in the genus Chipmunk, in the order Mammalia, order Rodentia, family Squirrel. The scientific name is Tamias and the kanji is striped chestnut rat. The body length is 12-19cm and the weight is 70-120g. Tail length 8-11.5cm. A list of basic information is below.
| Japanese（和名） | シマリス |
| English（英名） | Chipmunk |
| scientific name(学名) | Tamias |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Rodent、 Sciuridae、Tamias 哺乳綱、ネズミ目、リス科、シマリス属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 12-19cm |
| Weight（体重） | 70-120g |
About classification
There are several subspecies of chipmunks, including: The following is a quote from Wikipedia.
- シマリス（シベリアシマリス）Tamias sibiricus
- チョウセンシマリス Tamias sibiricus barberi
- エゾシマリス Tamias sibiricus lineatus
- トウブシマリス Tamias striatus
- タカネシマリス Tamias alpinus
- キマツシマリス Tamias amoenus
- ブラーシマリス Tamias bulleri
- ハイアシシマリス Tamias canipes
- クビワシマリス Tamias cinereicollis
- デュランゴシマリス Tamias durangae
- ガケシマリス Tamias dorsalis
- メリアムシマリス Tamias merriami
- チビシマリス Tamias minimus
- ススイロシマリス Tamias obscures
- レッドウッドシマリス Tamias ochrogenys
- パルマーシマリス Tamias palmeri
- パナミントシマリス Tamias panamintinus
- ミミナガシマリス Tamias quadrimaculatus
- コロラドシマリス Tamias quadrivittatus
- アカオシマリス Tamias ruficaudus
- アカシマリス Tamias rufus
- シエラネバダシマリス Tamias senex
- クレーターレークシマリス Tamias siskiyou
- ソノマシマリス Tamias sonomae
- サンバーナディーノシマリス Tamias speciosus
- タウンゼンドシマリス Tamias townsendii
- ユインタシマリス Tamias umbrinus
About habitat
Most chipmunks live in North America, but many also live in Eurasia.
① Asian Chipmunk (Representative)
Habitat:
Japan (Hokkaido)
Russia (Siberia)
Northern China
Korean Peninsula
Environment:
Deciduous broadleaf forests and coniferous forests
👉 Wild chipmunks found in Japan are only found in Hokkaido
② North American chipmunks
*Strictly speaking, this is a closely related species called a “chipmunk”
Habitat:
United States, Canada
Environment:
Forests, grasslands, mountains, suburban parks
👉 A very large number of species
🌲 Habitat characteristics
Chipmunks prefer the following types of habitats:
Forests with many trees
Ground with a thick layer of fallen leaves
Environments with many hiding places
Soil that allows for burrowing
👉 A highly terrestrial squirrel, it is more likely to be active on the ground than in the trees.
🕳 Nest Location
Dig complex burrows in the ground
Build sleeping areas
Food storage
Hibernate (or semi-hibernate)
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The chipmunk is a small squirrel with stripes on the back of its body and face, and has cheek pouches. They have cheek pouches on the inside of their cheeks, and are known to pack a lot of food, such as nuts, and carry them to their burrows. This squirrel is diurnal and prefers to live alone. They often build nests in tree cavities or underground, where they live. It is said that people sleep an average of 15 hours a day.
① Appearance
Body Length: Approximately 15cm
Tail: Approximately the same length as the body
Five distinct vertical stripes on the back
Large eyes and cheek pouches
👉 The stripes are their most distinctive trademark.
② Movement/Behavior
Extremely agile
Jumping around on the ground
Often seen standing up and alert
👉 Restless and always on guard.
③ Personality
Timid and cautious
Generally solitary
Territorial
Once accustomed to them, they will take food from a human’s hand,
but they “get used” to them rather than becoming tame.
👉 More wild-like than hamsters.
④ Diet (Omnivorous)
Nuts, seeds, acorns
Fruit, mushrooms
Eats insects and earthworms
👉 Surprisingly carnivorous despite their appearance.
⑤ Cheek Pouches and Food Storage
They stuff large amounts of food into their cheek pouches.
They carry it to their burrows and store it.
They have a strong instinct to prepare for winter.
👉 They’re good at hoarding.
⑥ Lifestyle
Diurnal
Predominantly terrestrial, but also climbs trees.
In winter, they hibernate.
They semi-hibernate (depending on the species and region).
⑦ Distance from Humans
They avoid people in the wild.
Even pets often dislike being held.
They may bite if handled forcefully.
What is your personality like?
Chipmunks are very curious. Therefore, I try my hand at things that interest me. However, on the other hand, it is an animal with many external enemies, so it has a rough temper. They may bite, so be careful when handling them.
① They are very cautious.
They react quickly to noises and movements.
They don’t like unfamiliar people or environments.
They’re always standing and watching their surroundings.
👉 They always seem to be thinking of an escape route.
② They generally act alone.
They don’t form groups.
They have a strong sense of territory.
They may fight with other chipmunks.
👉 They prefer to be alone.
③ They are very curious.
They are curious about new things.
They sniff and nibble to check things out.
They often have a tendency to explore.
👉 They’re timid, but they’re also curious.
④ Relationships with people.
They get used to people more than they do to become attached.
They often only manage to take food from your hand.
They don’t like being held or petted.
👉 They tend to be more distant than hamsters.
⑤ Moody
Approach when in a good mood
Hide and bite when displeased
May become aggressive during the breeding season
⑥ Individual differences are significant
Gentle type
Nervous type
Fully curious type
👉 Even chipmunks can be quite different.
What is the ecology like?
Chipmunks are omnivorous, eating mostly seeds, nuts, fruits, and buds. They often climb trees to get the nuts, and they also eat plants in farmlands and gardens, making them easy to become pests. Chipmunks breed twice a year, in early spring and early summer. They can give birth to one baby at a time. Lifespan is 5 to 10 years.
① Habitat/Range
Live primarily on the forest floor
They can climb trees, but their main activity is on the ground
Live within a small range centered around their burrow
👉 “Ground squirrels.”
② Burrow Life
Dig complex burrows underground
The burrow contains separate sleeping areas, food storage areas, and toilets
Multiple entrances and exits
👉 Very meticulous.
③ Daily Rhythm
Diurnal
Especially active in the morning and evening
Forage and watch during the day
Rest in their burrows at night
④ Food and Food Storage
Omnivorous
Nuts, seeds, acorns
Fruit, mushrooms
Insects, small animals
Stuff food in their cheek pouches and carry it to their burrow
They have a strong habit of storing large amounts of food
👉 Preparing for winter is crucial.
⑤ Seasonal Changes
Autumn:
Focus on food storage
Winter:
Hibernation or semi-hibernation
(Not completely asleep)
Spring-Summer:
Active activity and breeding
⑥ Breeding
Breeding season: Spring (twice a year in some areas)
Birthing: 4-6 pups per litter
Only the mother raises them
They become independent at about 2 months
Are there any natural enemies?
Natural enemies include birds of prey, mustelids, foxes, and snakes.
About Baby Chipmunks
Baby chipmunks are very small, immature, and wild babies that grow rapidly in a short space of time.
Contrary to their cute appearance, they grow very quickly.
① Immediately after birth
Body length: Approximately 5 cm
Weight: A few grams
Hairless, eyes closed
Ears not yet open
Completely dependent on their mother
👉 They are born very fragile.
② 2-3 weeks after birth
Hair begins to grow
Eyes and ears open
Movement gradually becomes more active
👉 This is when they start to lose their “baby” look.
③ Around 1 month after birth
Stripes appear on their backs
Walking around in their burrow
Beginning to nibble on solid foods
👉 They begin to look like chipmunks.
④ 5-6 weeks old
Begins to leave the burrow
Increased activity through running and climbing
Still under mother’s supervision
⑤ 7-8 weeks old (approximately 2 months old)
Almost independent
Leaves mother and begins to act independently
Searches for and digs burrows
👉 Very early independence.
⑥ Relationship with mother
Mother alone cares for the young
Father not involved
Once independent, mother and young keep their distance
👉 Wild and reserved.
⑦ Risk and survival rate
High mortality rate during the juvenile stage
Risks include predators, cold, and food shortages
This is why they grow so quickly
Are chipmunks an endangered species?
Are chipmunks an endangered species? That being said, that is not currently the case. The population is stable and distributed all over the world.
① Chipmunks Well Known in Japan and Asia
(Siberian Chipmunk, etc.)
IUCN Classification:
🟢 LC (Least Concern)
Currently, there is little risk of extinction.
Relatively stable in Hokkaido and the continent.
👉 This is the “chipmunk” that most people associate with.
② North American Chipmunks
Many species are LC (Least Concern).
However, some species with limited habitats, including island and mountain species, have reported population declines.
③ Examples of High Risk of Extinction (Few).
Some locally distributed species are strongly affected by deforestation, urbanization, and climate change.
Some species are listed as Vulnerable (VU) and Endangered (EN).
👉 Chipmunks do not necessarily mean safe.
Why are most not extinct?
Relatively high reproductive rate
Wide range of diet (omnivorous)
Highly adaptable to the environment
Many species can live near human settlements
Can chipmunks be kept as pets?
Can chipmunks be kept as pets? Chipmunks are available through common pet stores.
What is the selling price?
The market price is 7,000 yen to 10,000 yen. If the item is rare, the price can be several times higher. Some shops have different prices for males and females.
cage required
Chipmunks are semi-arboreal and require a lot of exercise, so they need a spacious cage. They will also escape from the house if there is no cage. Please also prepare flooring materials. We recommend using natural materials such as wood chips and grass.
Toilet/Toilet sand
Toilets and litter are also required. Deodorant sand made specifically for small animals is preferable.
birdhouse
A hive is a must. Chipmunks tend to live in nests. I need a safe haven. Chipmunks hibernate when it gets cold, so make sure you have warm gear as well.
pet food
Feed your squirrel or hamster food specifically for squirrels and hamsters. You will also need a water bottle. It is easy to use one that can be fixed to the cage.
perch
You will also need a perch. Chipmunks have a habit of chewing on wood to sharpen their ever-growing teeth. Commercially available gnawing wood is recommended.
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